Gamagrass can be planted with a corn planter or a grain drill since the seed is the size of a popcorn kernel. It needs to be planted at about 1 inch deep for maximum germination. Shepherd Farms plants it at a rate of three and a half seeds per foot and in 30-inch rows. One plant per five square feet is an excellent stand but we shoot for a thicker stand if possible. It can also be planted in corn as some of the corn herbicides are compatible with gamagrass seeding so you can get production the first year of establishment.

With the help of the USDA-ARS we have come up with a solution to the problem of getting stands of gamagrass. Gamagrass seed has a dormancy that needs to be broken which was done by planting seed in the winter and the cool damp soil would let the seed sprout in the late spring. This is fine if we have no insect, mold or mouse problems but normally that is not the case. We have come up with a wet chill process that will let the seed germinate soon after planting in warm moist soils. This is an extra cost for Shepherd Farms but we feel that it is the best way to get a perfect stand for all of our customers and we charge nothing extra for this service. The seed will need to be planted within 5 days of coming out of the chilling process, as germination will start.

With all of our orders we include our planting guide to help with establishment.